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V 



POLAR COLONIZATION 



THE PRELIMINARY 



ARCTIC EXPEDITION 



1877. 




Reresfokd, Printer, 

523 Seventh Street, 

Washington, D. C. 



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POLAR COLONIZATION. 



THE PRELIMINARY 

ARCTIC EXPEDITION 

OF 

1877. 



A number of public spirited and generous citizens of the 
United States, having faith in the success of the Colonization 
plan as a means of Arctic Exploration, and believing in its 
ultimate approval by Congress, in substantial accordance 
with the bill reported favorably from the Committee on 
Naval Affairs of the House of Representatives at the last 
session of the Forty-fourth Congress, contributed from their 
private means a sufficient sum for the purchase and outfit 
of a small vessel to be sent to the Arctic seas for the purpose 
of collecting such supplies during the ensuing winter as 
might be useful for the main expedition of 1878, if that 
expedition should be authorized. It was at first intended 
to limit the mission of this vessel to the collection of ma- 
terial only, but the opportunity for scientific investigation 
was so inviting, and the added cost incurred thereby so 
very trifling in comparison with the results to be attained, 
that space was made on board for two observers and their 
necessary apparatus. One of these observers was selected 
upon the recommendation of Professor Elias Loomis, of Yale 
College, and instructed to pay especial attention to meteoro- 
logical phenomona, while the other was selected as naturalist 
of the expedition by Professor Spencer F. Baird, of the 



Smithsonian Institution, from whom he received special in- 
structions. . 

Captain George E. Tyson, who served on board the Po- 
laris with Captain Hall, was entrusted with the task of 
selecting a suitable vessel for the preliminary expedition, 
which, while large enough to accomplish the desired objects, 
would not exceed in cost the sum available for its purchase 
and outfit. After careful examination he selected the Flor- 
ence, of New London, a schooner of fifty-six tons burden 
which was purchased upon his recommendation, and the 
work of strengthening her for ice navigation at once com- 
menced under his personal supervision. It was at first hoped 
to have the vessel ready for sailing on the 25th of July, but 
the illness of Captain Tyson, and the prevalence of rainy 
weather delayed her until the morning of August 3d, upon 
which elate she sailed with a full crew and complete outfit 
for one year's work, including the necessary apparatus for a 
whaling voyage on a small scale, as it is proposed that the 
vessel shall bring on her return voyage a cargo of bone and 
oil, and thus make the enterprise a self-supporting one, if 
possible. 

The public interest evinced in the proposed Arctic Colony 
has been very gratifying from the first, and the fitting out of 
the preliminary expedition brought applications in great 
numbers, both personal and by letter, from parties desirous 
of accompanying it as members of the crew, as passengers, or 
in any capacity that would enable them to share in the pro- 
spective honors of the enterprise. The good material offered 
was so large that it made the selection a difficult task; but 
it is believed that no little band, better fitted for the work, 
by strong frames, courage, and endurance, have ever gone 
forth to the Arctic Seas than those who sailed upon the 
Florence. The officers and crew are as follows : 

George E. Tyson, New London, master; William Sisson, 
New London, first mate; Dennison Burrows, New London, 
second mate; Eleazer Cone, New London, steward; Orray 
Taft Sherman, Providence, meteorologist and photographer: 



Ludwig Kumlein, Madison, Wis., naturalist; Richard B. 
York, Norwich; William A. Albin, Sag Harbor; James W. 
Lee, New London, and Joel B. Bottles, of Granby, seamen. 
Charles Henry Fuller, Colchester; David E. Keese, York, 
Pa., and John McParland, ISTew London, green hands. Of 
the crew the youngest is nineteen years old, and the oldest 
only twenty-four. 

The Florence is a good sea-boat, staunch, stout, sea-worthy, 
and a fast sailer, and has been thoroughly strengthened for 
her encounters with the ice. The supply of provisions and 
other stores for officers and crew is ample for twelve months, 
and can, if necessary, be made to last six months longer. 
Kind friends from all parts of the country have contributed 
from their stores, in addition to articles of food and clothing, 
a liberal supply of books and papers to wile away the long, 
weary hours of the sunless Arctic winter. A spare berth in 
the forecastle is filled with story-books, histories, novels, and 
volumes of poetry : a large trunk is filled to overflowing 
with papers, and still another is loaded down with maga- 
zines ; the whole making a library of considerable dimen- 
sions. The heads of several Departments of the Govern- 
ment have shown a kindly interest in the expedition, not 
merely by verbal approval, but by substantial aid. The 
different bureaus of the War Department, acting under the 
authority of the Secretary of War, have been particularly 
active in the matter. The Ordnance Office furnished rifles 
and muskets, and necessary ammunition. The Chief Signal 
Officer of the Army supplied a complete outfit of necessary 
instruments for making meteorological observations. The 
Surgeon General furnished a supply of medicines and the ne- 
cessary minor surgical instruments for use in case of acci- 
dents to members of the expedition, and the Quartermaster 
General furnished tents and camp equipage. The Secretary 
of the Navy furnished a complete outfit of maps, charts, and 
sailing directions. To these heads of Departments and Bu- 
reaus the grateful thanks of the friends of Arctic Explora- 
tion are due for their timely and efficient aid. The citizens 



of the United States, from all quarters and all directions, 
came forward with contributions in money or in kind, in 
support of the undertaking. No better test of the interest 
felt in the subject, and the conviction entertained of its im- 
portance and the ultimate success of the main expedition, could 
be found than in this widely spread and voluntary support 
Many of these contributions were accompanied by letters 
filled with prayers for the success of the undertaking. All 
classes of the community, and all portions of its ter- 
ritory were represented in these donations; and it would 
be invidious to name those who gave largely, while so many 
gave, from their humble store, what may most aptly be 
termed " the widow's mite." 

The following instructions, furnished to Captain Tyson 
upon the day of sailing, will give an idea of the aim, objects, 
and scope of this preliminary expedition. 

Washington, July 19, 1877. 
Captain George E. Tyson, 

Commanding Preliminary Arctic Expedition of 1877, New London, Conn. 

Sir : The command of the schooner Florence, of the Pre- 
liminary Arctic Expedition of 1877, is intrusted to you, and 
the officers and men forming the crew are enjoined to render 
strict obedience to your orders. 

In the event of your death while on this expedition — an. 
event which is to be devoutly hoped may not occur — the 
command will devolve upon the first mate, and should he 
also be disabled or die, upon the second mate ; and such sur- 
vivor will carry out, to the best of his ability, the objects of 
the expedition, keeping a stout heart and committing him- 
self and comrades to the care of Divine Providence. 

THE OBJECT OF THE EXPEDITION. 

The primary object of the expedition is the collection of 
material for the use of the future colony on the shores of 
Lady Franklin Bay. This material will consist of Esquimaux 
to the number of ten families— if that number can be ob- 
tained of young, strong, healthy persons willing to be trans- 
ferred to the location of the future colony — of dogs, not less 
than twenty-five in number, mostly females, and selected for 
their docility, training, strength, and endurance; of sledges, 
two in number, and completely and carefully fitted up for 



travel, and of clothing in ample quantities to supply fifty 
persons for three years. The clothing will be carefully se- 
lected, of choice furs and skins, and all made up by native 
women. The secondary object of the expedition is the col- 
lection of scientific data and specimens, as the field is a new 
one and possessing unusual interest. 

WHALING EN VOYAGE. 

The third, and to the crew most interesting object, is the 
capture of a sufficient amount of bone and oil to make a 
profitable return cargo, and this part of the work is so com- 
pletely within your own province that I will not venture to 
give any instructions. I must caution you, however, to be 
on your guard against letting the pursuit of gain interfere 
in any manner with the successful issue of the two first 
named objects of the expedition. It is from them that the 
lasting results of the voyage will be obtained, and the inter- 
ests of science and commerce best subserved. The precise 
locality of your winter quarters is left in a great measure to 
your judgment, but should probably be on the northern side 
of Cumberland Island. In making the selection, if the state 
of weather and condition of the ice leaves any choice, the 
locality should be that which is best adapted for the collec- 
tion of supplies, and which offers the best facilities for break- 
ing out in the summer of 1878, in time to reach Disco by 
August 1, if possible, and certainly not later than August 6. 

CARING FOR THE NATIVES AND DOGS. 

Provision must be made, for the proper maintenance and 
care of the natives who are to become members of the future 
Polar Colony; and also of the dogs, which are to form so 
important a part of the outfit of that colony. They must be 
quartered as comfortably as the limited accommodations of 
the schooner will permit, fed well and kept thoroughly clean. 

THE SCIENTISTS. 

The two scientific members of the expedition, while not 
forming, strictly speaking, a part of the crew, will, in case 
of necessity, be required to perform duty, and will at all 
times be subject to your orders and discipline. Every proper 
facility will be given them in the discharge of their respec- 
tive duties and to aid in securing full and valuable results 
from their labors. Mr. Sherman will have charge of the 
meteorological instruments, observations and records, and 
of the photographic apparatus and work. In both of these 
duties it is my wish that you should aid him, cheerfully and 
constantly, and in the event of his sickness or inability, from 



6 

any cause to attend to his observations, to make such arrange- 
ments as will insure a continuous series of the most import- 
ant ones. The utmost caution must be exercised in handling 
the delicate instruments, to guard against their breakage or 
other injury and the consequent interruption of the observa- 
tions. The results of the photographic work will be very 
interesting to the general public as well as to the scientific 
student, and every opportunity should be taken to secure 
good negatives of places, localities and objects, and also of 
the different operations connected with the pursuit and cap- 
ture of whales, seals, &c. Mr. Kumlein, who goes as the 
representative of the Smithsonian Institution under the in- 
structions of Professor Spencer F. Baird, the distinguished 
naturalist, for the purpose of collecting specimens of the flora 
and fauna of the country, will be accorded the most ample 
facilities for the performance of his duties consistent with a 
proper regard for the main object of the expedition. His 
labors, if properly supported and reasonably successful, will 
prove, it is hoped, of lasting advantage, and make the expe- 
dition a notable one in scientific annals. 

THE EXPEDITION OF 1878. 

On reaching Disco in August, 1878, if the vessel carrying 
the members and outfit of the colony has arrived, you will 
transfer to such vessel the Esquimaux, dogs, sledges and clo- 
thing collected for the purpose, and take the commanding 
officer's receipt for the same. This being done, you will re- 
turn as rapidly as possible to New London, whence you will 
report by telegraph to me at Washington, D. C, for further 
orders. If the colonization vessel has not arrived you will 
wait for it until August 15, when you will store the sledges 
and clothing to the care of the Governor of Disco ; leave the 
dogs also in his care and return the natives to their home on 
Cumberland Island. This done you will return to New 
London and report, as before, for instructions. 

Should any of your crew wish to accompany the coloniza- 
tion you will grant them permission to do so, with the con- 
sent of the commander of that expedition, and provided you 
retain enough men to bring the Florence safely back to the 
United States. 

TEMPERANCE. 

Great care must be exercised in the use of spirituous liquors, 
both among the members of the expedition and in dealing 
with the natives. Useful as liquor undoubtedly is in its 
place, and under suitable restrictions, it is easily capable of 



the most frightful abuse and of leading this expedition to 
disaster as it has done others in the past. I trust in your 
strong good sense and past experience to guard against 
danger from this source, and desire you to know that I have 
only permitted a supply in quantity of liquors to form part 
•of the Florence's outfit in deference to your own strongly ex- 
pressed wishes. 

DEALING WITH THE ABORIGINES. 

In dealing with the natives, it is my wish, as doubtless it 
is your inclination, that you should be kind and liberal to 
the extent of your means and ability, and in all points of dif- 
ference, should any arise, to be just but firm. 

FINAL. 

Bear constantly in mind the fact that this is not a whaling 
voyage, but the first step in a work that will, I trust, when 
completed, be a noteworty one in the annals of geographical 
and scientific discovery. This fact should also be carefully 
impressed upon the crew, in order that they may work intel- 
ligently and with proper interest. 

Be careful of the health of your men, using such measures 
for the purpose as your long experience in Arctic waters 
suggest as necessary. 

In conclusion, I commend yourself and crew to the care of 
an All-wise Power, with the prayer that your voyage may be 
prosperous and your return a safe and happy one. 

H. W. Howgate, 

United States Army. 



INSTRUCTIONS TO THE METEOROLOGIST. 



Washington, D. C, July 10, 1877. 
Me. O. T. Sherman, 

Meteorologist, Preliminary Arctic Expedition of 1877, 
New London, Conn. : 

Sir : The accompanying instructions were kindly prepared 
by Professor Cleveland Abbe, and are furnished you as sug- 
gestions for your general guidance in making meteorological 
observations. These suggestions may possibly be modified 
of necessity by varying circumstances and conditions, but 
should not be departed from in any important degree: 



8 

1. It is considered very desirable to maintain a system of 
regular hourly observations night and day, for the record of 
which the accompanying blank book will serve as the first 
volume, one horizontal line being devoted to each hour, and 
at least four pages devoted to each day's record, so that both 
regular and miscellaneous observations and notes may all 
appear together in the same book. 

Even if hourly observations cannot be maintained regu- 
larly by yourself and those of the ship's crew who can as- 
sist you, still it will be best to rule the book as for hourly 
observations, and attempt a bi-hourly or a tri-hourly series, 
filling in intermediate hours whenever possible. 

2. As regards the time to be used in recording observa- 
tions, it is especially enjoined that you do not attempt to 
employ local times, but that you uniformly employ the 
Washington mean time as given by the ship's chronometer, 
and to which your own watch should always be regulated. 
Furthermore, it is evidently of little importance whether 
the series of observations are made at the beginning of each 
hour or at some other minute, and it is therefore preferred 
that your regular records be made at 0.35 A. M., 1.35 A. 
M., etc., dating them, of course, according to civil reckon- 
ing, by which means three of your observations will become 
simultaneous with those of the Signal Service, and will thus 
form a valuable addition to its bulletin of international 
simultaneous observations. 

3. Accompanying this you will find a schedule suggest- 
ing that arrangement of the vertical columns on each page,, 
which experience has shown to be most convenient. The 
contents of these columns are as follows: 

1. Hours of observation. 

2. Attached Thermometer. 

3. Reading of the Barometer. 

4. Barometric Corrections and Reductions, viz: 
Correction for Instrumental Error. 
Correction for Temperature. 

Reduction to Sea Level. 

5. Atmospheric Pressure at Sea Level, or the Barometer 
as corrected and reducecl. 

6. The Dry Bulb Thermometer. 

7. The Wet Bulb Thermometer. 

(Both should be read to tenths of a degree.) 

8. Relative Humidity. 

9. Force of Yapor. 



9 

10. Dew Point. (8, 9, and 10 taken from Guyot's Reg- 
nault.) 11. The reading of the Hair Hygrometer. (If pos- 
sible, several of these will be furnished for comparison.) 

12. True Direction whence the Wind Blows. 

13. Estimate Force of Wind (on the International scale of 
zero to ten.) 

14. Reading of the Anemometer Dial. (If possible, two 
anemometers, one elevated much higher than the other, 
should be used. The simple, single reading of the dial run- 
ning up to 9999 is all that need be recorded, as the hourly 
and daily velocities can be deduced subsequently.) 

15. Repetition of column 1. 

16. The Amount (in tenths,) kind and direction of the 
Upper Clouds. (Pay close attention to the direction, and 
record it with reference to the true meridian of the sixteen 
compass points; give the direction whence the clouds move, 
and, to secure accuracy, have a fixed point, on the earth by 
which to judge of their motions.) 

17. Ditto for the lower clouds. (If three layers are seen, 
record the middle one in the miscellaneous notes.) 

18. The color of the sky near the zenith, as compared with 
the standard scales B., R., or G., (blue, rose, gray.) 

19. Ditto for the zenith disrance 45°. 

20. The Weather — that is to say, the most striking charac- 
teristics of the weather. 

21. The fall of Rain, or heavy mists, during the preceding 
hour. 

22. The fall of snow and sleet unmelted. 

23. The amount of melted snow and sleet. (These obser- 
vations can be made on ship-board to a considerable advant- 
age by placing two or four rain gauges symmetrically on the 
starboard and larboard.) 

24. The Record of the Tide Gauge. (This very import- 
ant observation should be carefully attended to whenever on 
shore or frozen up during the winter.) 

25. Temperature of the ocean water near the surface. 

26. Temperature of the ocean water at constant depth of 
about twenty feet. 

27. The color of the ocean water as compared with stan- 
dard scales, G., B., Y., and R., (green, blue, yellow, and red.) 

28. Direction and Intensity of the ocean swell or waves. 

29. Repetition of column 1. 

30. The Deviation of the magnetic needle. (For this ob- 
servation a delicate compass needle will serve if no appro- 



10 

priate magnetic apparatus can be obtained. Its fluctuations 
will probably be quite decided during Auroras.) 

31. The visibility of Auroras, Halos, Zodiacal Light. (The 
three phenomena should be carefully looked for on all oc- 
casions, and if visible, the appropriate word or the corres- 
ponding symbols agreed upon at the Vienna Congress should 
be entered in this column, reserving a fuller description for 
the miscellaneous notes.) Aurora, Lunar Halo, Solar Halo, 
Lunar Corona, Solar Corona. 

32. Regnault's apparatus for observing the Dew Point 
should be employed systematically, if any way possible to 
do so. 

33. Among the specially interesting observations is that 
of the actual height of clouds and direction of air currents, 
as revealed by sending up small balloons, which are fur- 
nished you for this purpose. Attach to each balloon a 
light thread, one hundred feet long, in such a manner 
that it will pull away at the slightest tension. Hold the 
other end of the thread fast in the fingers, and count 
seconds from the watch while the balloon is ascending. Re- 
cord in column 33 the number of seconds required to ascend 
100 feet, which is the vertical velocity of the balloon. 

34. The horizontal direction taken by the balloon. 

35. Its horizontal velocity, as estimated by comparison 
with the surrounding country. 

36. The time elapsing before it disappears in the clouds. 

37. The Density of the sea water. 

Columns 1 to 14 occupy page 1 ; columns 15 to 28 occupy 
page 2 ; columns 29 to 37 occupy portion of page 3. The 
rest of page 3 and the whole of page 4 of each day's record 
is to be occupied by short miscellaneous notes, among which 
are to be included the latitude and longitude of the vessel 
when at sea. If you visit any port at which meteorological 
records are kept, you should not fail to compare your in- 
struments with those used at such places, as a check upon 
the agreement of the records. 

Among the numerous miscellaneous observations that are 
desirable from northern latitudes are many that will be 
found referred to in the Manual and Instructions for the 
Arctic Expedition of 1875, to which you are hereby re- 
ferred, as also to the reports of the Permanent Committee 
of the First International Meteorological Congress at 
Vienna: 



11 



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1877, August 7, Monday, at sea, fyc. 





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1877. August 7, Monday, at sea, fye. 





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1877, August 7, Monday, at sea, §c. 





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1877, August 7, Monday, at sea, $c 



Short miscellaneous notes. 



12 

In addition to the foregoing the following suggestions of 
Prof. Loomis are furnished for your information and guid- 
ance : 

" The meteorologist should be specially instructed, not 
only to make the routine observations at fixed hours, but 
also to be constantly on the watch for every unusual phe- 
nomenon connected either directly or remotely with meteor- 
ology. He ought to keep a detailed record of all auroral 
phenomena, and it is extremely desirable that the expedition 
should have suitable instruments for the declination of the 
needle, and the changes which accompany auroral display. 
I think particular attention should be given to observing the 
direction of the wind, and also the direction of the highest 
visible clouds, and their direction ought to be recorded with 
great precision. Especial attention should be given to the 
optical phenomena of the atmosphere, such, for instance, as 
halves-parhelia, &c. The Polar regions exhibit phenomena 
of this class more remarkable than those we often see in the 
middle latitudes, or, perhaps have ever seen, and these ob- 
servations, to be of much value, should furnish precise mea- 
surements of the dimensions and portions of whatever is 
observed, particularly of those features which are most un- 
usual." 

These special suggestions, with such general ones as you 
will find in the Arctic Manual, in Prof. Loomis' Work on 
Meteorology, in Buchan's Handy-book, and the other works 
on Meteorology which have been furnished to you will be 
sufficient to indicate the extent of the work to be done, and 
its most valuable features. It is especially impressed upon 
you to keep full and detailed notes of all items of daily, ob- 
servation and occurrence, in order that nothing of value may 
be lost. The memory must not be trusted for details, but 
everything intended for future use should be committed to 
writing at the time the matter is fresh and capable of verifi- 
cation. 

H. W. Howgate, 

United States Army. 



13 

Memorandum addressed to J. Kumlein, Naturalist of the Expe- 
dition, relative to the Natural History of the region to be 

visited; by Spencer F. Baird. 

The region you visit is one of the most interesting in 
North America, and the least explored by the naturalist. It 
will furnish an ample field for research, especially as you 
will be on shore during the greater part of }^our absence 
from the United States. 

Your principal object should be to make collections of every- 
thing in the ethnological, animal, vegetable, mineral, and 
fossil departments; so that you can prepare a report thereon, 
perhaps an illustrated one, to be published in some suitable 
manner upon your return. In view of this you should 
make copious notes of the habits, associations, and general 
condition of everything that you meet with. 

Of mammals, good mountable skins of the polar bear, pre- 
pared with alum or saltpeter, will be desirable. A series of 
reindeer should also be obtained, as well as foxes, hares, and 
other animals. A good series of seals properly prepared 
will enable us to solve many questions in regard to our own 
species at home. 

The walrus, both male and female, should be procured. 

As many skeletons as are procurable, and several skel- 
etons of all land and water mammals will be readily market- 
able. 

The skins of cetaceans cannot readily be preserved unless 
possibly they can be preserved in salt. Sketches should be 
made of the outlines and distribution of color of each, and 
the corresponding skulls and skeletons should be preserved. 

Particular attention should be paid to the narwhal, skel- 
etons of which are much in demand. 

If opportunity is allowed you, some skulls of the smaller 
whales ought to be procured. 

Regarding birds, a special memorandum, prepared by Dr. 
Brewer and myself, has been furnished. You will, of course, 
look very carefully for the small insectivora and conirostres, 
to determine, as far as possible, the northern distribution of 
our species. Saxicolas will probably be frequently met with. 

Of water fowl, the rarer geese, the Labrador duck, Sa- 
bine's and Ross's gulls, and the Ivory gull are those which 
it is most desirable to obtain. 

Any petrels or shearwaters will also be of interest. 

Endeavor if possible to obtain specimens of black guille- 
mot, with a blackish bar partly across the white of the wing. 



14 

Reptiles you will probably not find, unless it may be a 
frog, which of course should be secured. 

The fishes should be looked after veiw particularly, and 
especially the different species of trout, salmon, and white 
fish, which should be secured, if possible, of different ages 
and in the different seasons, to show the variations of the 
spawning condition. 

Any large salmon or trout, say over a pound or two in 
weight, would be better preserved by being skinned and the 
skins put in alcohol, although a sketch of the original ought 
to be made. Any other species of fish you had better pro- 
cure as they may present themselves. 

Of course it will be important to obtain a full representa- 
tion of the insects of the country, such as butterflies, bee- 
tles, etc. 

Whatever species of marine invertebrates are procurable 
should be gathered in; for example, star-fishes, shells, crus- 
taceans, and the like. 

If you should succeed in securing a complete series of all 
the varieties of animal life, if possible in several sets, the 
great object of your mission will have been accomplished. 

You should endeavor to secure a variety; but a complete 
collection will be of much interest. Any choice mineral 
specimens ought to be obtained, especially of the crystalline 
varieties. Get samples of all the rocks constituting the 
strata. These should be sketched, with their overlying po- 
sition indicated and verified by specimens. 

Look very carefully for rocks containing fossil remains, 
either of plants or of animals. Some very interesting spe- 
cimens of saurians have been brought from different portions 
of Arctic America, while the fossil plants are of very great 
importance. 

Make a thorough study of the ethnology of the country, 
securing as many crania of Esquimaux as practicable; pro- 
cure skeletons also if they can be got. Illustrations of the 
handiwork of the natives in objects of stone, bone, wood, 
etc., ought to be carefully gathered, especially any that are 
of great antiquity, and such as are superseded by modern 
articles. 

Spencer F. Baird. 

Salem, Mass. 



15 

The following extract from the London Standard of Au- 
gust the 18th, is of interest, as showing the appearance of 
things on board the Florence when about to sail: 

"An occasional correspondent writes from New York : On 
the morniDg of Tuesday, the last day of July, I saw an an- 
nouncement in the New York Herald to the effect that the 
Arctic exploring ship Florence, under the command of Cap- 
tain George B. Tyson, would sail from New London on the 
following day. I immediately resolved, as a member of the 
last British Polar expedition, to go down and give him and 
his comrades a hearty farewell and God speed. I took a 
passage in the handsome steamer City of New York, and 
leaving New York city in the evening woke next morning 
at New London. It is a pretty little town of 12,000 people, 
situated on the Thames, a fine river, wider than the English 
one after which it is named. New London is of consider- 
able importance as a seaport, and you meet there a number 
of persons who have been actively employed in whaling and 
sealing. Inquiring my way to Haven's Dock, where the 
Florence lay, I soon found her alongside the jetty, some 
caulkers closing the hold, and the men carrying on board 
their beds and clothes bags. On the upper deck were some 
casks of water and barrels of biscuits, firmly lashed; also 
planks and spare spars. The Florence is quite a small ves- 
sel, a schooner of 56 23-100 tons. She has storage capacity 
for 300 barrels of oil. She was built at Wells, Maine, in 
1851, but is still a staunch craft and good sea boat. Pre- 
paratory to her last cruise she was thoroughly overhauled 
and renovated, and made as good as new. Her length is 
64 feet, beam 19 feet, and she has a depth of 7 feet. She 
carries no foretopmast, and is an aft schooner with a square 
sailyard athwart. Stepping across a plank, I gained the 
deck, and going aft, discovered the officers' cabin. It is a 
small space, measuring about eight feet in all three direc- 
tions, and having a small table in the centre; overhead 
were stowed stowed half a dozen Springfield rifles and a 
double barrelled gun. On each side of the cabin are two 
bunks, one above the other. Those on the port side are 
appropriated to the use of the scientific officers, and the 
other two to the second mate and steward. When I was 
there the former gentlemen were busily engaged in stowing 
their effects in their bunks under their beds. Tins of sar- 



16 

dines, novels, and newspapers were oddly mingled with 
articles of clothing and scientific instruments. 

There appeared to be plenty of space, but imagine the 
labor of constantly having to disarrange the entire collection 
in order to obtain some trifle which happens to be placed at 
the bottom! Aft of the cabin, and on either side of the 
entrance to it, are two "state rooms" — a pretentious title 
for little dens of six feet by four, half of which limited space 
is occupied by the bed placed over a small chest of drawers. 
These sanctums are designed for the captain and first mate. 
On the other side of the cabin is the kitchen, a little cham- 
ber not five feet high or four feet wide. The crew, of whom 
there are eight, are located in a small cabin in the bows; 
they have good, wide bunks, which appear comfortable 
enough. The walls of the officers' cabin are of 4 inch plank. 
The stem has been replanked with 10-inch timbers, covered 
with 2-inch planks, giving her bow a total thickness of six- 
teen inches, sufficient to resist the blows from floating masses 
of ice which she may expect to encounter in the North. 
She carries a sufficient stock of provisions, pork, canned 
meats, biscuits, and spirits; also 15 tons of coal. She is well 
provided with ammunition, having 6,000 ball cartridges, 
1,000 pounds of buck shot, two barrels of powder, and 200 
pounds of rifle powder. She also takes plenty of whale line, 
as she hopes to secure some whale's in Baffin's Bay. The 
Florence carries three boats, one hanging astern from davits, 
and one on each quarter. The Stars and Stripes floated 
bravely at the masthead; the morning was bright and fine, 
and a number of spectators came on board to see the vessel, 
or stood on the jetty discussing her chances. - Captain Tyson 
is accompanied by William Sisson, a portly native of New 
London, as first mate. Dennison Burrows, of New Lon- 
don, is second mate, and Eleazer Cone, also of New Lon- 
don, is steward. Mr. Orray Taft Sherman, of Providence, 
a graduate of Yale, '77, and a fine, tall young man, under- 
takes the duties of meteorologist and photographer, whilst 
Mr. Ludwig Kumlein, of the Smithsonian Institute, is nat- 
uralist. 

The crew consists of eight fine young fellows of from 19 
to 24 years of age, with one exception all natives of New 
London, and accustomed to a seafaring life They seemed 
to me the right men for the work, and had only been en- 
gaged on the day before I visited the ship. Asking one of 
them 'what his pay would be, he replied, "A fiftieth." 



17 

When I said "What of?" lie replied, "I don't know and 
care less." They seemed equally indifferent as to when they 
return, but have the option of coming back next year. 

I afterwards crossed the river in the ferry to call on Cap- 
tain Buddington, who was sailing master under Captain 
Hall in the Polaris in 1871, and took the command after his 
death. Asking to be directed to the Captain's residence, 
which is a mile or so from the town, I was offered a seat in 
his buggy by a gentleman who was driving that way, with 
that kindness which is so pleasing a characteristic of the ed- 
ucated American. There we found the worthy Captain 
amusing himself, as many old sailors love to do, by working 
in his garden in the cool of the evening. On my introducing 
myself he welcomed me into his comfortable cottage, where 
we conversed for some time on Arctic work and enterprise. 
He is deeply interested in the matter, though, after 40 years' 
work amongst the ice in the Northern and Southern seas, 
he justly thinks himself entitled to end his days in the peace- 
ful serenity of a rural life. On my rising to go he kindly 
accompanied me half way to the town, and there Captain 
Tyson came on board the steamer, and wished good-bye to 
Captain Howgate and mvself, as we were returning to New 
York. 

The Florence had been unable to leave, because of the 
state of the wind, but it was intended that she should weigh 
anchor next morning. May this expedition advance a step 
further than its predecessors into the unknown regions, and 
add more facts to the sum of human knowledge." 

At ten minutes past ten, on the 3d of August, the tug took 
her in tow, and with a stiff fresh breeze filling all her canvas, 
and keeping her bow for bow with the steamer, she went flying 
down the harbor, dipping her colors in farewell to friends on 
shore, who watched her out of sight. On board all was snug 
and ship-shape; both officers and men were impatient of the 
delay which they had met with, and gladly saw the tug 
steaming out to take her in tow. A fact pleasant to be re- 
membered was the absence of any appearance, much less the 
reality, of any intoxication amongst the crew of the little 
vessel. 

The following communication from Captain Tyson was 
received on the 26th of August: 



18 

Schooner Florence, August 9, 1877. 
Captain H. "W". Howgate, 

United States Army, Washington, D. C. 

Sir: I have the honor to report the progress of the Pre- 
liminary Polar Expedition. 

August 2, half past ten A. M , we left New London, with 
the wind to the northeast. The progress made on the suc- 
ceeding days and the facilities for sailing will be shown by 
the following citation from the log : 

August 3. — Lat. 40 52, Ion. 70 36 ; wind N. E. ; course, 
magnetic, S. E. 

August 4.— Lat. 40 40, Ion. 68 50; wind K E. ; course, E. 
S. E. 

August 5. — Lat. 41 52, Ion. 67 19; wind 1ST. E. ; course E. 
byK 

August 6. — Lat 43 13, Ion. 65 1 ; wind N. ; course E. by N". 

August 7. — Lat. 44 24, Ion. 63 36; wund S. W.; course E. 
byK half If. 

August 8. — Off Beaver Island light; becalmed in fog. 

August 9. — Lat. 45 9; off' Camp Canso; calm. 

THROUGH THE STRAITS OF BELLE ISLE. 

It is intended to sail across the Gulf of St. Lawrence and 
through the Straits of Belle Isle, for thus we hope to save 
time and be rid of much bad weather. 

Although it is now a week since we left port we have 
missed nothing essential from the equipment. The vessel 
meanwhile has behaved splendidly, and the crew have shown 
themselves to be composed of good working material. 

In the scientific department work has also advanced, though 
more slowly, since it has been thought inexpedient to place 
the instruments. A bird of a rare species has been obtained. 
All of us are hopeful of success. 
Very respectfully, 

George E. Tyson, (oft* Cape Canso.) 

On the 22d of November, a letter was received from the 
hardy navigators which, as given below, will probably be the 
last that the world will hear from the Florence for many 
months to come: 

JSTiuntilick Harbor, Cumberland Gulf, 

September 29, 1877. 
Captain H. W. Howgate, 

United Stales Army, Washington, D. C: 

Dear Sir: After a long and tedious passage of forty days 
we reached our present harbor on the 13th. of September, 



19 

and I avail myself of the first whaler returning to Scotland 
to communicate with you and our friends at home. I do not 
find matters here as I had hoped, owing to the presence of a 
large number of whalers and but few natives. This will 
make great competition for the trade of skins and other ma- 
terial, and compel us to pay higher prices than would other- 
wise have been the case. To avoid this I would have gone 
to another harbor had it been a little earlier, but now it is 
too late to attempt a change. * * * I shall soon move 
the vessel into winter quarters at the head of the gulf, where 

I hope to be more successful. 

******* 

HEALTH OP THE CREW. 

The health of the men continues excellent and our sup- 
plies prove of good quality and in abundance. All feel 
confident of making the expedition a profitable one, even if 
we should fail in collecting all the stores called for in your 
instructions. But we shall endeavor to accomplish all you 
could wish us to do. 

WORK OF THE EXPEDITION. 

Mr. Sherman has got fairly at work making observations,. 
and has obtained some good photographs of whaling and 
native scenes. Mr. Kumlein is busy, and is adding to his 
collection constantly, although a little disappointed at find- 
ing the number of rare specimens fewer than he had expected 
to find them. It is yet too early to say how we shall fare, 
but when the first feeling of homesickness wears off and the 
men recover from the strain of the long voyage, matters will 
look brighter to them, and they will work with renewed 
energy. 

With good wishes to you and to all our friends at home, 
I remain, with great respect, 

George E. Tyson. 

It is hoped that the return log and history of the Florence's 
voyage will contribute to a more minute knowledge of Arc- 
tic phenomena, meteorology, flora, mineralogy, and ethnol- 
ogy. As an advance-guard and pioneer of the main expedi- 
tion, its advantages and assistance will be valuable. Upon 
the arrival of the main expedition at Disco, the point of 
• meeting, its members will find awaiting them, it is hoped, 
suitable clothing for Arctic wear, sledges, trained dogs, Esqui- 



20 

maux guides, hunters and fishermen, and also several hardy 
well-trained and thoroughly acclimatized Arctic seamen, as 
there is little doubt that some of the Florence's crew will 
decide to cast in their lot with the main expedition. The 
latter will also have at their command, and for their guid- 
ance the information, experience and scientific data gathered 
by the preliminary expedition. In a word, the later comers 
will find much of their most important routine work of prepa- 
ration and supply done for them and ready to their hands, 
and will thus be enabled to enter upon the more arduous 
portion of their undertaking with lighter hearts and with 
that assured confidence which is the pledge and presage of 
success. 

The dreary veil of the long, sunless Arctic winter has 
closed behind the brave and hardy navigators of the Flor- 
ence, hiding them for a season alike from our gaze and from 
our communication. What perils they may meet, what dan- 
gers encounter, what sufferings endure, must remain a sealed 
book to us until the icy barriers, to which their little craft 
has been already moored, shall be unlocked by the sun of 
another summer. 

Shall we leave unfinished the noble work which they 
have so gallantly commenced? Surely not. The eyes of our 
own millions, with those of the whole civilized world abroad, 
have watched the outgoing of the Florence with her hardy 
crew, and we should be false indeed, alike to our past his- 
tory and our future fame, if we should pause in the work 
of Arctic discovery so auspiciously begun. Private means 
and private enterprise are good and noble things in them- 
selves, and they have placed in the Nation's hands, for her 
fostering care and rearing, this ward of science, with the 
hope that the work so fairly commenced will be pushed to 
an early and glorious issue. This is a national cause and 
undertaking; one peculiarly American, whose goal lies 
where the lonely tomb of the martyred Hall, with its kindly 
English memorial, stands, a solitary sentinel, upon the road 
to glory. Other nations are taking the field; foreign expedi- 



21 

tions are in preparation, and shall we content ourselves with 
taking a preliminary step and then abandoning the race ? 
With the members of the Senate and of the House, rests the 
decision of the question. The bill which is now before them 
provides for following up this great enterprise at an insig- 
nificant cost compared with the vast harvest to be reaped, 
not only in the fields of science, but in the interests of navi- 
gation, commerce, and national glory. 

H. W. HOWGATE. 



APPENDIX 1. 



The following is the report made by the Naval Committee 
upon the bill to authorize the expedition: 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

\4dh Congress, 2d Session. Report No. 181. 



EXPEDITION TO THE ARCTIC SEAS. 

February 22, 1877. — Recommitted to the Committee on Naval Affairs and 
ordered to be printed. 



Mr. Willis, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, sub- 
mitted the following Report : [To accompany bill H. R. 
4,339.] 
The Committee on Naval Affairs, to ichom was referred the bill 
(H. H. 4339) to authorize and. equip an expedition to the Arctic 
Seas, submit the following as their report: 
That the object of the bill, "to authorize the President to 
fit out an Expedition to the North Pole, and to establish a 
temporary colony for purposes of exploration," is so interest- 
ing and important in its character that they have, while not 
neglecting to gravely consider it with reference to its results 
both to science and commerce, availed themselves of all in- 
formation accessible, and called in requisition the testimony 
and experience of men pre-eminent in scientific experience 
and learning, whose communications are hereto appended 
and made a part of this report. 

The first inquiry pursued was whether, within the pur- 
view of the Constitution or otherwise, to fit out an explora- 
tion such as the bill proposes was an appropriate, legitimate 
function of the Government, for the exercise of which taxes 
could be properly levied upon the people; and, if so, whether 
the nation would get value received for the expenditure in- 
curred, and the perils to which its citizens would be exposed. 
In reaching a determination, the fact has not been con- 
sidered that there are numerous precedents in our history 
precisely covering the present case, to wit, the joint resolu- 
tion authorizing the acceptance of Mr. GrinnelPs vessels, 



23 

approved May 2, 1850; the resolution respecting the Kane 
expedition, approved February 8, 1855; the Hall (Polaris) 
expedition, (see legislative, executive, and judicial bill, ap- 
proved July 12, 1870;) the Wilkes exploring expedition, ap- 
proved May 14, 1836, (see naval appropriation bill of that 
jear.) 

The action of the Government in the foregoing instances 
indicates the views of previous Congresses respecting such 
a measure, as all such expeditions have been conducted un- 
der the auspices of the National Government. Nor has any 
importance been attached to the action of other governments, 
who not only heretofore have inaugurated such enterprises, 
but are contemplating the inauguration of others on a mag- 
nificent scale. 

We have ascertained, to our satisfaction, that the results 
yielded by prior explorations in the Polar Seas have incal- 
culably benefited the whole world; that the knowledge ac- 
quired by experiment and discovery in that region can be 
obtained in no other way and in no other section of the 
globe; that such knowledge is an important factor in the 
regulation of commerce, which is absolutely dependent, so 
far as decreasing the perils of the deep and enlarging the 
boundaries of navigation are concerned, upon the knowl- 
edge of physical laws. 

The Constitution gives Congress power, in section 8 of 
article 1 — 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations. 

And also in the same section and article — 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into ex- 
ecution the foregoing powers. 

So the question as to the power of the Government is 
without the domain of doubt or discussion. 

The Government has the constitutional power. Is it 
"proper to exercise it? 

Whatever benefits are harvested favor no special interest 
or class. The added knowledge obtained is the property of 
mankind. 

Give a subsid} T , you enrich a corporation by extorting 
from the body politic. Impose a duty for the purpose of 
protecting a particular industry, you enrich a few while you 
impoverish the many. Explore the remote corners of the 
•earth, you awaken inquiry, add to the stock of information, 
.and contribute essentially to man's mastery over the elements. 

None among those who believe that money is well ex- 



24 

pendecl to increase knowledge, to improve the chances of 
life, to enlarge the commerce of our nation, and who appre- 
ciate the notable results already achieved iu this special field 
of adventure and study, will belittle or sneer at the enter- 
prise proposed in this bill. Some declare, by way of depre- 
cation, that failure and disaster have been the reward of the 
dauntless explorer. In a certain measure, true. But the 
ends aimed at are worthy of sacrifice. Hall and Franklin 
died just as gloriously, just as serviceably, just as heroically, 
as Warren at Bunker Hill or Sedgwick at the Wilderness. 

Valuable experience and information have been obtained 
within past years which are now at the service of any new 
explorer, and new plans based on such experience and infor- 
mation have been examined by your honorable committee, 
which point out the causes that have hitherto contributed to 
disaster and partial failure. 

This plan is known as "Polar Colonization,'' and has re- 
ceived hearty indorsement from such distinguished experts, 
scientists, students, and explorers as Professor Joseph 
Henry, president of the National Academy of Sciences ; 
Professor Loomis, of Yale College ; President Potter, of 
Union College ; Admiral Porter ; Rear- Admiral Davis, su- 
perintendent of the National Observatory; Hon. Charles P. 
.Daly, president of the American Geographical Society ; Dr. 
Isaac I. Hayes, the explorer, and others, while it is heartily 
approved, also by the honorable Secretary of the Navy ; and 
your committee are inclined to commend it to the favor of 
Congress, more especially if its execution be intrusted, as the 
bill provides, to the President, under the direction of the 
National Academy of Science. 

The entrance to Robeson's Channel, 81° N., can be readily 
reached by steam vessels. Surveys by the Polaris in 1871, 
and the Alert and Discovery in 1875, have been made to a 
point within four hundred miles of the pole. 

As the Polaris was reaching the northern extremity of 
Robeson's Channel, there appeared what was seemingly, 
and what those best qualified to judge believed to be, an 
open Polar sea. This sea could have been reached had the 
vessel arrived at such point even an hour before, and the 
dream of explorers would have been a reality ; but the ad- 
venturous party were forced back, and wintered but a short 
distance from the unexplored waters. 

Captain Nares, in 1875-'76, encountered above this chan- 



25 

nel an unbroken field of ice, too solid to penetrate with ves- 
sels, too uneven to be traversed by sledge parties. 

So, it will be observed, seasons there are no less variable 
than our own. Sometimes the mighty fields of ice are 
broken up and carried away by favoring tides ; sometimes 
the ice presents an impassible barrier. 

To succeed under such plans as have formerly been fol- 
lowed would be simply because chance supported them. To 
make success assured, the men and the vessels must be nigh 
the channel, ready for the fortunate hour, and prepared to 
to take prompt advantage. To obviate the difficulty and 
meet the exigency, Polar colonization is declared the ap- 
propriate mode, and is therefore urged by the distinguished 
gentlemen we have named. 

This plan requires that the colonization party should num- 
ber at least fifty hardy, resolute men, enlisted in the United 
States for such service, provided with supplies and provisions 
for at least three years; that a strong, substantial building 
should be carried on ship-board; that the principal depot 
should be in Lady Franklin Bay, between 81° and 82°, or, 
\ if possible, as high as Cape Union, between latitude 82° and 
83° ; the United States vessel to be used only for transport- 
ing men and supplies to the location of the colony, the ves- 
sel then to return to the United States, and afterward to make 
annual visits, with fresh supplies,^ and to keep the colony in 
communication with the outer world ; military discipline to 
be enforced ; three commissioned officers and two surgeons 
to be selected, with a view to their peculiar fitness ; an as- 
tronomer and two or more naturalists to be selected by the 
National Academy of Sciences ; and that one or more mem- 
bers of the regular force should be competent to make me- 
teorological observations, and to communicate by telegraph 
and signals, when necessary. 

Such are the main features of the plan, which also pro- 
vides that all due precaution shall be had to afford safeguards 
against scurvy, against the ill effects of cold, and also to pro- 
tect the colon}' from hunger. 

In the vicinity of the point where the colony is to locate, 
coal abounds, game is plentiful, Esquimaux men can be had 
to re-enforce and guide the expeditionary corps, and Esqui- 
maux dogs to draw the sledges. The men become accli- 
mated after a few years, and Captain Hall, who was eight 
years among the Esquimaux, testifies that each year ended 



26 

found him better fitted to endure the severity of the Arctic 
Circle. 

Other nations are at this moment hurrying forward ex- 
ploring expeditions to be prosecuted under this plan. 

Noble men in our own country are eager to enlist in the 
enterprise. 

Intelligent and liberal capitalists are ready to give of their 
means to forward it. 

There has never before been an opportunity afforded, so 
promising in results as the one which now presents itself. 

To make such explorations entirely successful, it is essen- 
tial that simultaneous observations be had at different points 
within the Arctic Circle, and for continuous periods of time. 

England, during the present year, will fit out two vessels 
under the explorer Nares, on a Polar expedition via the east 
coast of Greenland. 

Sweden, in 1878, under the auspices of Professor Norden- 
akjold, will explore the Polar regions via Norway across to by 
way of Behring's Strait. 

Holland has determined upon another. 

Germany, under the direction of the Arctic Exploration 
Society, has an Obi expedition, commanded by Captain 
Wiggins, now on duty. 

Russia, during the coming spring, will push forward an 
ethnological expedition, under the Helsingsfors professor, to 
the Vogels and Ostyacs of the Obi and Irtysh. 

And eminent explorers as well as scientific societies of all 
civilized countries are busying themselves in an endeavor to 
establish stations at different points in the Arctic regions 
with a view of systematic synchronous observations, which 
are absolutely essential, with a view to progress in scientific 
discoveries. 

There is scarcely a natural science but would be enlarged 
and utilized by proper observations in the Polar seas. Natu- 
ral forces there are subject to extreme conditions, and conse- 
quently produce phenomena not seen elsewhere, and which 
serve to unveil the character of the forces themselves. 

Terrestrial magnetism, hitherto deemed a science of com- 
parative unimportance, is now deemed the most consequen- 
tial branch of physics; it is controlled by cosmical, atmos- 
pherical, and terrestrial action, and in the economy of 
nature exercises a reciprocal control. 

Reliable observations show the existence of galvanic cur- 
rents and the relationship between magnetic disturbances 



27 

and northern lights and earthquakes, while it is well known 
that magnetism is in inseparable connection with galvanism 
and electricity. In the extreme north the needle is rarely 
stationary. There, too, the wrathful storms rage as nowhere 
else. Such are the reasons why, if this intensely interest- 
ing science is to grow, observations must be had in that re- 
mote archipelago of ice. 

Scarcely less interesting, and no less important to the 
world, than terrestrial magnetism is a knowledge of the at- 
mosphere and its phenomena, especially their relation to 
heat and moisture, which is comprehended in meteorology. 
In the far north, and there only, can be ascertained the 
effect of that immense aggregation of ice ; how heat is en- 
gendered and distributed; how dry and humid currents are 
created and put in motion to commingle and combat each 
other; to what extent climate is affected in this wise, and 
how hurricanes, which visit mankind with wrathful destruc- 
tion, originate. Is it necessary to exhibit, by any process 
of reasoning, the utility of such knowledge, the advantages 
which would accumulate to science and to commerce ? 

The flattening of the earth at the Pole, and the extraordi- 
nary refractions there, would yield such opportunities for 
investigation as would enable us to measure the earth with 
greater accuracy, to correct lines of latitude and longitude, 
and also greatly facilitate the study of astronomy. 

Natural histoiw and botany would be vastly enriched, as 
is attested by the exist mce of rare flora and fauna. 

Geology has found there the ground work of new theo- 
ries, and the explanation of many old ones. In Siberia are 
found animals of anterior worlds, while in Nova Zembla, 
Spitsbergen, and Greenland are fossils so abundant and rare 
that the paleontologist exults in his enlarged sphere. 

Wonderful already are the discoveries made in each field 
of inquiry noted; but we are yet in the vestibule. The re- 
gion of the unknowable is just beyond; we are invited 
thither. We know enough to realize the wealth which 
awaits us. 

Hitherto observations have been limited and imperfect, 
the most important of them wholly neglected ; accurate data 
as to ail of the sciences named are wanting. 

Geographic discovery has hitherto been the objective 
point. While this is praiseworthy, while it acids a most im- 
portant chapter to the book of knowledge, it should not be 
the primary object to which all others are subordinated. 



28 

An absolute change of operations must be had. This 
change will be effected by the passage of the bill H. R. 
4,339. It meets the exact need. It provides for a long stay, 
which will give ample opportunity for observations and the 
conduct of scientific enquiry under the most favoring con- 
ditions. It provides that an intelligent system shall be pur- 
sued, under the direction of the National Academy of Sci- 
ences. 

Ordinarily, the expeditions have been so conducted as to 
actually preclude scientific discovery — all appliances left at 
home, and almost continuous locomotion. 

Other nations are adopting the same methods, and while 
American scientists are taking observations in the vicinity 
of Robeson's Strait, like observations will be taken in Behr- 
ing's Strait, on the east coast of Greenland, in the vicinity 
of Spitzbergen, and at other points, simultaneously covering 
the whole field — belting the whole Arctic world — for several 
consecutive years. 

Other nations are already there or getting in readiness to 
be there. The way through Smith's Sound, where De 
Haven, Kane, Hall, and Hayes, by their heroic researches, 
have given immortal glory to America, seems to be the fit- 
test field for Americans in this race for conquest and discov- 
ery. It is familiar, and other fields are already chosen by 
other governments. 

Dismiss the unsettled, vexed question, which is the most 
direct and practicable route to the Pole? Conditions vary. 
One year one is preferable, another, another; all are equally 
rich in scientific treasures, and will yield to searchers after 
knowledge an equal harvest, though the weight of testimony, 
even for geographical discovery, is in favor of the American 
route, as the exhibits appended indicate. 

The plan which this bill contemplates happily blends geo- 
graphical and scientific discovery; it will facilitate both, and 
result in both. 

The importance of the fitting-out of this expedition at 
this particular time, with a view of co-operation with others, 
should not be out of mind, for meteorology depends upon 
comparison resulting from simultaneous observations. The 
laws of storms and the theories of winds depend upon such 
comparison. In no other mode can conclusive results be 
attained. 

If we make any pretense as friends of science, we must 
pursue the only methods whereby development can be 



29 

achieved. Those methods have been pointed out. But sup- 
posing we should disregard the impulse of honor and glory; 
supposing we were controlled alone by the instinct of a su- 
preme selfishness, which considers nothing but the questions, 
will it pay ? will it help commerce ? w T ill it economize human 
life and property ? there would still be sufficient reasons left 
to justify this undertaking. 

We can support this statement sufficiently by accepting 
the testimony of Prof. Elias Loomis, of Yale College, who 
says, in his admirable letter, hereto appended : 

The vast extension of the commerce of the world in recent times, and its in- 
creased security, are due in no small degree to more accurate information 
respeciing the physics of the globe, including such subjects as the mean direc- 
tion and force of the prevalent winds; the laws of storms; the use of the ba- 
rometer in giving warning of approaching violent winds ; the surest mode of 
escaping the violence of a storm when overtaken by a gale ; the most advan- 
tageous route from one part to another; the direction and velocity of the cur- 
rent in every ocean ; the variation of the magnetic needle in all latitudes, and 
its changes from year to year; together with many other problems; and most 
of these investigations have been greatly facilitated by observations which 
have been made within the Arctic regions. I do not regard it as any exagge- 
ration to claim that the benefits which have resulted, both directly and indi- 
rectly, to the commerce of the world in consequence of Polar expeditions, are 
more than equal to all the money which has been expended on these enter- 
prises. 

Last year a whaling-fleet of twelve vessels was wrecked in 
the Arctic Sea, and property to the amount of half a million 
of dollars destroyed, all because of a lack of proper knowl- 
edge of climatic and tidal influences, which can alone be 
obtained by observations made in the manner provided for 
in this bill. 

Business men have a keen appreciation of the importance 
of these explorations to commerce. They have always been 
anxious to aid them by liberal contributions. Some of them 
have been prosecuted solely by private means. The names 
of many merchants have been given to capes and bays and 
promontories and straits as vouchers of the fame they have 
so justly earned by intelligent devotion to science. 

Boards of trade and chambers of commerce are now, 
through memorials, already before this committee, invoking 
us to pass this bill, and renew the honorable work. 

The cost is slight. The ends aimed at will provoke no 
intelligent opposition. The methods proposed are not ex- 
perimental, but the product of experience. They have the 
sanction and even the warmest commendation of all scien- 
tific men of all nations. The supervision of the National 



30 

Academy of Sciences will insure wise provisions and safe- 
guards against accident, disease, or failure. Dr. Hayes, the 
eminent and successful Arctic explorer, coincides fully with 
the views herein expressed, as also do others familiar by 
actual experience. 

The honor of the American name is involved. Will Con- 
gress suppress this zealous spirit of inquiry and adventure, 
or give it scope by the passage of this bill, and a meagre ap- 
propriation of fifty thousand dollars ? To us it appears there 
should be but one answer, and, therefore, we report back 
the bill with the recommendation that it do pass. 



APPEIDIX 2. 



The following letter is from a gentleman who was con- 
nected with Arctic exploring parties in the seach for Sir 
John Franklin. He had the friendship and esteem of Dr. 
Elisha Kent Kane, and is often referred to in the works of 
that lamented gentleman : 

St. Andrews, Manitoba, 1 
August 22d, 1877. J 
To the Editor of the New London Telegram : 

Sir: In a late issue of a local paper of this province I find 
that a Polar expedition is now in course of equipment, and 
will sail from New York in July next. As one who takes 
an interest in Arctic matters, having commanded one of 
Lady Franklin's private Arctic expeditions, will you kindly 
permit me, through you, to say by way of sympathy and en- 
couragement to those going, that I consider such an enter- 
prise as likely to be productive of two primary results. 

I believe, in the first place, that from the highest north- 
ern points attained by Hall and jSTares, the North Pole may 
be easily reached, and by sledges. To accomplish this it is 
only necessary to have proper men and other appropriate 
equipment. The men should be those accustomed to the 
use of snow shoe and sled. Their food should consist mainly 
of pemican and dried meat, prepared after the manner of 
the Red river buffalo hunters. Such food is compact, nu- 



31 

tritious, and not likely to give scurvy. Their clothing should 
be strong, woolen underclothing, with dressed moose-skin, or 
its nearest equivalent, as outer garments. As foot gear 
nothing can equal the Indian moccasin. 

To be prepared for every eventuality they should be pro- 
vided with two kinds of sledges — the Esquimaux sled, 
which has runners, and the Indian flat sled. The first is 
best fitted for running over crusted snow, the other over 
soft snow, such as Wares found. The fuel for journeys 
should be spirits of wine, and snow houses for shelter, in- 
stead of tents ; the beverage only tea and coffee — no spirits 
whatsoever. 

Being thus provided and setting out due north, say on the 
first of April, March, in so high a latitude, would be too 
cold, say from latitude 80° north, they would have four 
months before them for accomplishing the distance of twelve 
hundred miles — a feat that has already been accomplished. 
Instead of an open "polar sea" it is most likely the party 
would find a glazier-covered land to travel over. The unusu- 
ally heavy ice that Sir G. Wares met with, is to be indicative 
of land-formed ice, precisely similar to that found in the 
Antarctic region. 

The "open polar sea" will, I believe, be in the end found 
to be the tail end of the gulf stream. This current entering 
the Arctic regions between Iceland and Nova Zombla, 1 
belive, sweeps westward after meeting with northern un- 
known lands and ultimately finding its way to Robeson's (of 
Wares) channel, enters that and so passes southward through 
Baffin's Bay into the Atlantic. 

A stream like this can alone account for Arctic summer 
birds, in going north in autumn and south in spring, in 
going to and returning from their winter haunts. They may 
fairly be supposed to round the northern coast line of Green- 
land, being thus guided by the higher temperature both of 
the water and the atmosphere in this, the supposed termi- 
nation of the gulf stream. 

Cold, dismal, and uninviting as the Smith Sound region 
is, it nevertheless has its undeveloped resources no less than 
other countries. The walrus seem to be abundant in that 
region, also the polar bear, the musk ox, the reindeer, and 
other animals. With the aid of the Esquimaux, provided 
with the proper requisites for it, they might procure large 
numbers of these animals. The seam of coal discovered by 



32 

!Nares would supply a first requisite for a comfortable fire- 
side. 

The expedition should carry with it presents for the Es- 
quimaux, such as saws, axes, knives, fish-hooks, awls, gim- 
lets, drills, files, needles, and other utensils. The Esquimaux 
discovered by the late lamented Dr. Kane are United States 
citizens, and must be living in that state that geologists de- 
scribe as the " stone and iron age." Any tool, therefore, 
with an edge to it must be of incalculable value to such a 
people. With a moderate supply of these, but more than 
all, with guns and ammunition, such as we may suppose to 
be stored in United States stores, as now useless relics of the 
late war, how much might be done to incorporate " the less 
advanced with the more progressive man," and so turn to 
account that which is at present as if it were not in ex- 
istence. 

Very truly yours, 

William Kennedy, 

Late Commandig Lady Franklin's Private Arctic .Expedition. 






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